May 16, 2025
Archive

Several hundred tree donations benefit those in need

By TARAH THORNE

Photo provided Lake Barrington Treetime Christmas Creations employees Robert McJennett (left) and Bill Gaydurgis gathered several hundred donated artificial Christmas trees on Nov. 22. The tree donations were sent to Chicago area Goodwill locations to be sold to fund programs for those in need. (Kelly Dudzinski)

LAKE BARRINGTON – More than 900 artificial trees have been collected through Treetime Christmas Creation’s annual “Christmas Tree Trade-In” program to benefit Goodwill and residents in need throughout the Chicago area.

Used, artificial Christmas trees were collected during October at Chicago area Goodwill stores and Treetime’s two locations: in Lake Barrington and Palatine. Treetime representatives presented Goodwill with their collected trees on Nov. 22.

This year’s program generated more than double the amount of trees collected by Goodwill in 2012, as this is the first year that Treetime has partnered with the program. All funds from Goodwill tree sales will be used to provide training and job opportunities for people with disabilities, or those who are dislocated or disadvantaged. Anyone who donated their used tree during the initiative received 15 percent off a new tree purchase at Treetime.